Do small businesses need an employee handbook?

Although an employee handbook is not legally required, every business should have one because, in certain instances, it can reduce liability. Every employee should have an updated copy of your employee handbook that clearly lists company policies and your complaint procedure.

How much does it cost to have an employee handbook written?

HR consultants and consultancy firms You could pay between $1,500-$5,000 for a personalized employee handbook developed by an HR firm. The price depends on factors such as number of employees, number of locations, industry, and state-specific employment laws that may/not need to be included.

Does a small business need an employee handbook?

What if my company doesn’t have an employee handbook?

And if your company doesn’t have a handbook, managers and employees will need to rely on the company’s “institutional memory” to ensure that policies are consistently applied. Work policies and expectations also take on more importance and are more likely to be followed when you document them in an official handbook.

What should be included in an employee handbook?

Employee handbooks generally include information about the company, a welcome letter from the president or CEO, the company’s mission, vision, purpose, values, and broad strategic goals, the company’s commitment to employees, and various non-compete, non-disclosure, and employee confidentiality agreements, if the company uses them.

Should we have an employee handbook?

Though no federal or state law requires an employer to have an employee handbook, it is actually one of your best legal defenses in the event of an employee, or former employee, filing a claim against you. Here’s why:

Can You amend an employee handbook?

Therefore, best practice is for employers to review the handbook annually to ensure that it reflects current realities with regard to existing policies, and to add any additional policies based on changes within the organization and developments in the law. To amend and update the employee handbook as necessary, the employer should do the following.

Are employee handbooks and policies?

An employee handbook is a document that communicates your company’s mission, policies and expectations . Employers give this to employees to clarify their rights and responsibilities while they’re employed with the company.